Main Entry: ¹pros·trate

Pronunciation: \ˈprä-ˌstrāt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English prostrat, from Anglo-French, from Latin prostratus, past participle of prosternere, from pro- before + sternere to spread out, throw down — more at strew

Date: 14th century

1 : stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission; also : lying flat
2 : completely overcome and lacking vitality, will, or power to rise <was prostrate from the heat>
3 : trailing on the ground : procumbent <prostrate shrubs>

synonyms see prone